Most spiders appear quite creepy, and some can inflict serious bodily harm. Nonetheless, they're fascinating creatures that come in thousands of varieties. Every species looks and behaves differently. Although they occasionally become a significant indoor problem, these arachnids actually benefit humans when they remain outdoors. Spiders frequently devour bothersome insects, such as flies and stink bugs. The following facts highlight some intriguing aspects of this eight-legged predator:

1. A web normally contains only one spider, and we rarely see these creatures work together. Nevertheless, arachnids sometimes cooperate to spin and maintain massive communal webs. They also share the insects that they catch. For instance, a huge collective web in Dallas measured about 40 feet tall. Spiders only build such webs if unusually large swarms of insects enter the area. They appear to catch far more bugs by cooperating.

2. If the thought of an enormous communal web terrifies you, there's a chance that you might have arachnophobia. This extreme fear of spiders can affect how people perceive them. An Israeli study revealed that they appear considerably larger to individuals with arachnophobia. Luckily, Brazilian researchers have found a potential solution. They discovered that arachnophobia often subsides after people examine photos of numerous items that resemble spiders. A few examples include carousels, camera tripods and office chairs with wheels.

3. Although some species prefer to hunt rather than build webs, every spider can make silk. Many use it to help them travel or fortify their eggs. A female spider may produce silk to create protective egg sacs. Certain species fabricate particularly thick sacs that repel water. Others hide their eggs with the help of silk. They produce the material in colors that closely match their surroundings.

4. Virginia and Maryland residents frequently spot large spiders during autumn or winter. Many arachnids reach their peak size near the end of the year. In the fall, sizable species include the banded garden spider and spotted orbweaver. You might also see a wolf spider, especially near electric lights. This hairy arachnid pursues insects on foot instead of spinning webs. Wolf spiders have brown, black and gray bodies.

5. It's not unusual for these creatures to venture indoors as temperatures drop. Some arachnids build webs in corners, lampshades, house plants or window frames. Others normally prefer to remain hidden. You might find them lurking under your bed or the refrigerator. Spiders may squeeze into cracks that they find along the baseboard. Unfortunately, they sometimes choose to crawl inside of footwear. This can result in a painful surprise when you put on a shoe or boot. Certain species prefer to explore specific parts of a home, such as the basement.

It's probably not cause for alarm if you occasionally find a small spider indoors. However, poisonous species or major infestations may create rather dangerous situations. You won't feel safe in your home when you constantly face this threat. The spider control experts at My Pest Pros can help. Our family-owned company delivers quick, effective solutions at affordable prices. Please contact MPP for all of your pest control needs.